Human ResourcesPerformance Management and Appraisal
Performance systems consume enormous management time and are widely disliked by everybody involved, largely because they are run as an annual rating exercise rather than as the conversation that improves work. This course covers running them well. Delegates work through goal setting that connects individual work to organisational outcomes, the difference between measuring output and measuring behaviour, and continuous feedback in place of an annual surprise. Rating scales and calibration are covered, including forced distribution and why it damages trust. The appraisal conversation is practised, including underperformance and disagreement. The course closes on linking performance to pay and development, and on defensible records when a dismissal follows.
Course objectives
- Set goals that connect individual work to organisational outcomes
- Measure output and behaviour appropriately for the role
- Give continuous feedback rather than an annual verdict
- Apply rating scales and calibration without damaging trust
- Conduct an appraisal conversation including underperformance
- Link performance to pay and development decisions
- Keep records defensible enough to support a later dismissal
Who should attend
- Line managers and supervisors conducting appraisals
- Human resources practitioners running the process
- Senior managers calibrating ratings
- Employee representatives
- Anyone about to manage people for the first time
Course outline
- 01An annual rating exercise against a conversation about work
- 02Goal setting and line of sight
- 03Output measures and behavioural measures
- 04Continuous feedback
- 05Rating scales and calibration
- 06Forced distribution and its cost
- 07The appraisal conversation and disagreement
- 08Pay, development and defensible records
Scheduled sessions
| Dates | Venue | Format | Price | Register |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 to 14 October 2026 | Johannesburg, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 2 to 4 December 2026 | Gaborone, Botswana | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 7 to 9 December 2026 | Online | Online | R6,500 per delegate | Register Now |
| 14 to 16 December 2026 | Pretoria, South Africa | Classroom | R14,950 per delegate | Register Now |
| 21 to 23 December 2026 | Lagos, Nigeria | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |
| 20 to 22 January 2027 | Kampala, Uganda | Classroom | USD 995 per delegate | Register Now |